Sunday, November 2, 2008

I Was There The Day We Were Kings.

AN ESTIMATED TWO million people crowded Market and South Broad Streets to watch the 2008 World Series champion Phillies roll down to the the stadiums where they were feted like kings.

Whether you are a sports fan or not, it was an historic day.

Where were you? And do you think this will change the attitude of Philadelphians?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

First off, I just want to put it out there that the whole thing with comcast putting the William Penn statue on top of their building is a little crazy. I'm convinced it was a factor. I was screaming out my front door before Lidge was even on his knees, and then participated in the chaotic march up to city hall with the thousands of other temple students, said hello to the riot police on spring-garden, high-fived just about everyone who had their car window down, and was right on Broad and Sansom with all the fires and insanity. I think the positive attitude and sense of community that this championship brought the city is invaluable. I don't know if it will single-handedly change the attitude of this city(I know someone who was jumped during the march), but it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Joe said...

bicycle was THE way to travel friday. i got to see everything. i think our attitudes will change for now but if/when the eagles/sixes/flyers blow it things could change really quickly...

Anonymous said...

I was at city hall facing market street and it was probably the second greatest moment of my life, next to the party on broad street after they won the world series of course. But will this chance the attitudes of philly sports fans? I really hope not. The way we treat our teams and the attitude we have towards them is what makes this city so special. I want the fans to stay exactly as they are.

Anonymous said...

I was at the intersection of Broad and Locust streets and it was incredible. A lady in the Double Tree Hotel on the corner kept giving us updates on the status of the parade by writing on huge posters and taping them to the window. Philadelphia truly has the best fans in the entire world. We are always sticking with our teams and it was about time that one of them came through for us. We seriously deserve it more than any other city. I think it won't change the attitude of Philadelphians because we will always have the same mentality; we will always stand by our professional sports teams. go phillies!

Geo said...

Hey Jessica,

The bottom picture is the intersection of Broad and Locust about 20 minutes after the parade went by. Is that you in the red?

- George (the teacher who watched the parade from Bliss restaurant on Broad Street)

Anonymous said...

I was so upset.. I was deathly ill that day and stuck at my parent's house in Collegeville, PA. But even watching it on TV I felt like I was watching history. This event caused all of us to relate and drop petty issues for a couple days and just enjoy the city. I was sad I had to watch it on TV, but at least I can say I saw it unravel.
Friday was a great day.

Anonymous said...

I was right in front of the Barnes and Noble near City Hall, and I had a great spot. I could see the whole parade go by, being right up front. Everyone was just in a great mood, and it was wonderful to see a city be so happy, a smile on everyones face.

I think what was the best part of the parade was that there was no violence, for the most part. Everyone was just there to cheer on their team and have a good time. I think, since Philadelphia is known to be such a violent city at times, they thought we'd be crazier. But in the end, everyone was just there to be together and spend some time with 2 million other fans.

Go Phillies!

Megan McCue Journalism said...

I don't know how it would change the attitiude of fans I feel that the fans have always been loyal and optmistic in Philly. It is not a place for fair weather fans, it couldn't get much better.

Geo said...

We aren't fair weather fans?

I can remember way, way back in the day ... you know, like 2006 ... when people chanted E-A-G-L-E-S at Phillies games in August. Shoot, I think they did that this August. You know, right before they walked out of the stadium after booing Charlie Manuel and Pat Burrell all night.

Fair weather fans? That is our greatest trait.

- George (the teacher who loved the Phillies even when were really, really bad)

Anonymous said...

It was just awesome! I moved to Philadelphia in September and boy did I pick a great season to move. I live in S Philly, a couple of blocks away from the stadium and it was just insane. I was disappointed with some aspects though... it showed that people in Philadelphia like to get drunk and throw their trash on the ground... the next day, there was trash EVERYWHERE! I think it brought the community together, but it also proved that people don't care much about the enviornment. In addition... the sporting goods places were packed with people buying tons of shit... like 60 dollar sweatshirts... and yet we're going through an economic crisis? It really goes to show that people take pride in their hometown teams. =)
Nikki Allen J1111

Jonathan said...

George, for the record I have been with the Phillies when they were really bad too, back when they stilled played at the Vet. I've had season tickets for 15 years now and my fmily has worked there for years and years more.

Jonathan said...

I actually had the benefit of attending game 5 part 1 and 2. After Brad Lidge sturck out Eric Hinske, the stadium and city alike erupted into madness. I stayed around after the game was over to watch the trophy presentation and to celebrate with the players. It was great to see that they really appreciated the fans, even those bandwagons. After, I stayed in my hometown of South Philly around Broad and Shunk. It was amazing there. People shooting off fireworks, grown men crying (myself included), minors consuming alcohol, and cops just watching and letting it all happen. It is something that will be with me forever